Financial and Lifestyle Resources for Vermont

Did you know that April is National Car Care Month?  It is! And there's no better time of year to start thinking about your vehicle. By caring for your vehicle monthly, using this car maintenance checklist, you will help reduce stress and expenses associated with your vehicle and possibly help conserve energy. People often think car care costs a lot, so I want to share this car maintenance checklist to help you take care of your vehicle without breaking the bank!

How to Find a Great Deal You have made the decision to purchase a used car, but you’re not sure where to begin. You know you want something that will last a long time and you know you don’t want to pay too much (which is why you’re buying second-hand). But how do you find that winning combination of long life expectancy and low cost in a vehicle you can enjoy driving? When it comes to used cars, there are three keys to finding a great deal: knowing your needs and limitations, eliminating damaged and unsafe vehicles, and finding affordable financing options.

I start each year off like everyone else, with New Year’s resolutions—eat healthier and exercise more. Well this year I thought I would have a New Year’s resolution for my car! If you’re looking for some smart resolutions that will help you save money and maintain the value of your car, here are some resolutions you may want to make.

This is an exciting time for plug-in electric vehicle (EV) buyers. Manufacturers are producing more affordable electric cars in a wider array of models than ever before. And now, the Vermont Public Utility Commission (PUC) is investigating how electric utilities and others can promote the ownership and use of electric vehicles in the state. If you’re on the fence about buying an EV, this article may help you pick a side.

You may be able to save a lot of money by refinancing your car, but is it time? If you’re asking yourself that question, read on to learn some good reasons for refinancing and some things you should consider as you get started.

Your vehicle has served you well – it has shuttled you safely to work, toted your belongings and groceries with care, covered the distance between you and your loved ones—but it hasn’t been working so well lately. You just had the brakes fixed and the motor is now making a strange clunking sound. Each visit to the shop seems to cost a little more and you know that some other (and possibly more expensive) repairs are looming. You just don’t know when to buy a new car.  

If you’re in the market for a car, you’re probably wondering “what car is right for me?” It’s a big financial and personal decision, which will likely result in some debt. Plus, you’ll have the car for years to come, so you want to make sure you’re buying something that will fit your lifestyle for the next three to eight years. In other words, this is a decision that is worth thinking through.

If you are purchasing a new car, consider donating your old car to charity as an alternative to trading or selling. In addition to helping out your favorite local cause, you may also qualify for a tax deduction if the organization is a registered 501(c)3. But there are some important points to consider before making your donation.